shoddy
UK: ˈʃɒdi | US: ˈʃɑːdi
adj. of poor quality or craftsmanship
adj. dishonest or unethical in behavior
n. an inferior material, especially recycled wool
shoddy = shod<recycled wool> + dy<diminutive suffix>
- shod (from 19th-century English slang for "reprocessed wool," originally from "shod" as a variant of "shed" or "cast-off material")
- dy (a diminutive or pejorative suffix, possibly influenced by colloquial usage)
Etymology Origin:
The word "shoddy" emerged in the early 1800s to describe low-quality wool made from recycled fibers. By the mid-19th century, it expanded metaphorically to describe anything cheaply made or morally dubious, reflecting industrialization's impact on quality standards. The suffix "-dy" adds a dismissive tone, reinforcing its negative connotation.
The shoddy construction of the building led to cracks within a year.
He was criticized for his shoddy treatment of employees.
The report exposed the shoddy practices of the pharmaceutical company.
She refused to buy shoddy knockoffs of designer handbags.
The contractor used shoddy materials to cut costs.